Associate Research Professor, Water Resources Modeling

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Job Description
The Desert Research Institute’s (DRI’s) Division of Hydrologic Sciences is seeking a qualified individual to join an interdisciplinary research organization at the forefront of advancing hydrologic science in arid environments. This individual will establish and lead an externally-funded research team focused on developing and applying hydrologic and hydraulic models representing water movement in surface and subsurface systems. The successful candidate will have deep expertise in one or more water resources modeling approaches accompanied by a broad range of skills in others. Modeling approaches include, but are not limited to, watershed modeling from local to regional scales, two-dimensional hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, land surface process modeling, vadose zone and groundwater modeling, snow hydrology modeling, water supply modeling, post-wildfire hydrologic modeling, flash flood modeling, probabilistic modeling, etc. Candidates with skills in AI/ML, data visualization, and scientific software development are strongly encouraged to apply.
This position will initially focus on Southern Nevada water resources research and be supported in part by the Sulo and Aileen Maki Endowment. Using endowment funds, the successful candidate will be expected to build a strong research team based in Las Vegas that will eventually be sustained by external grants and contracts. Additionally, the successful candidate will be encouraged to collaborate with other DRI faculty and outside partners who conduct a broad range of environmental research projects. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who have a long track record of success in publishing manuscripts and recruiting, coaching, and mentoring postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and early career faculty. Candidates who have an existing externally funded water resources modeling portfolio that can be brought to DRI are encouraged to apply. This position will be located in Las Vegas, NV, and is eligible for a hybrid/flexible work schedule.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in Hydrology, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or closely related field.
Minimum 10 years of professional experience closely related to the duties of this position
Demonstrated in-depth experience in at least one water resources modeling approach and general familiarity with others
Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (e.g. effective stakeholder engagement, experience building and leading collaborative teams, experience mentoring students and early-career faculty and staff, etc.)
Track record of producing collaborative technical project reports and publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals
Demonstrated success writing competitive research grants and managing grants/contracts
Preferred Qualifications
Licensure as a Professional Engineer, Professional Hydrologist, or equivalent
Demonstrated experience developing and leading applied science projects
Experience with AI/ML, data visualization, and/or scientific software development
Demonstrated ability to align multiple contributors, timelines, and deliverables around a shared team vision
Demonstrated ability to lead a complex program consisting of multidisciplinary team members of varying experience levels contributing to multiple projects
Existing externally funded water resources modeling portfolio that can be brought to DRI
Conditions of Employment
U.S. citizenship per sponsor funding requirements
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance is mandatory.
The successful candidate will be offered the position contingent upon passing a mandatory test for the absence of any illegal drugs (as defined in 10 CFR 707.4) as well as satisfactory credit, criminal and background investigations.
Participation in an ongoing random drug testing program may be required.
Valid driver’s license required or ability to obtain one by date of hire
Must be able to travel to remote locations for several days at a time on a regular basis
Local and regional overnight travel will be required
Field work to remote locations may be required
This position will require the ability to perform physical tasks, such as moving or lifting objects up to 40 lbs., and occasional stooping, bending, and kneeling.
Compensation/Benefits
The minimum annual starting salary is $122,293 and will be competitive and commensurate with education, experience, and alignment with similar public academic research institutions
DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance; including 19.25% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the choice of three health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.
About the Desert Research Institute
DRI is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students who work alongside them, and staff have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in r